Former AFC Head Coach Doesn’t Trust Texans’ C.J. Stroud Against Patriots
'I don't like what I see'
A former head coach and Super Bowl-winning player raised concerns about Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud before Sunday’s second-round game against the New England Patriots.
Despite personally knowing Stroud since middle school, Antonio Pierce questioned whether the 24-year-old can lead the Texans to a championship. Pierce, a vital part of the New York Giants squad that ended New England’s perfect season in Super Bowl XLII, raised his doubts Saturday on CBS Sports’ “The NFL Today.”
“I love him. Coached him when he was in eighth grade, known him since he was a young pup,” Pierce said. “C.J. Stroud, I just don’t trust him. I don’t like what I see. I don’t like the body language.”
Stroud matched Drake Maye with eight turnovers (all interceptions) during the regular season, but he fumbled a jarring five times in a first-round win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. He lost two of them and threw a pick inside the red zone while Houston led 7-6 in the third quarter.
Pierce implored Stroud to avoid those same mistakes and be more careful. While Houston’s top-ranked defense carried the team to a Wild Card Round win, the former linebacker thinks Stroud must do his part for the Texans to make a title run.
“I know he’s had a hell of a season, but take care of the football, son,” Pierce said. “Come on, C.J. You know better. You’ve been a starter since Day 1. The most important thing is, ball security equals job security. And for him, he’s just very loose with it … At some point, you got to do your job. Manage the game, take care of the football.”
